WHY STRETCHING IS IMPORTANT?

June 9, 2017

Stretching is an extremely important practice to add to your daily routine to be on your way to better health. Even if you are not planning on exercising vigorously, it is still important to stretch in order to receive multiple benefits for your body and your mind.
We all know we should stretch, but far too many of us overlook this and choose to get on with the ‘fun stuff’ instead – the exercise or the sports or the free running. Perhaps though part of the problem is that we are not educated quite enough on the reasons we should be stretching – and perhaps a full list of all the reasons we should be doing it could help encourage us to be more vigilant. Here we will look at a selection of the reasons it’s important to stretch.
Stretching does not need to be time consuming. If you take 10 minutes out of your day to stretch and try to do so at least 2-3 days a week you will achieve the most benefits. If you stretch on an irregular schedule, your body will not be able to maintain a consistent range of motion. Because stretching increases your range of motion, it is important to get in the habit of stretching often in order to increase flexibility.
Stretching reduces the chance of injury by gradually elongating the muscle. If you’re more flexible then that will mean that you don’t pull or tear a muscle if you are to slip or trip as your body is capable of reaching that position. In the short term it also helps to limber up the muscle and tendon and thereby prevent a pulled muscle or tendon.
It is important to understand proper technique. Make sure that you are stretching correctly in order to prevent injury. Incorrect stretching can be harmful to your muscles. If you are injured and already have a tense muscle do not overwork it. If you are stretching and you feel pain, it is absolutely crucial for you to ease up on the tense muscle in order to prevent damaging the muscle even more. Also try to focus on major muscle tendon. These include: neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, pelvis, hips, and legs. When you stretch the major muscles in your body you will receive the most benefits to improve your flexibility throughout your whole body. Finally, remember to keep up with your stretching routine. The more you stretch, the more benefits your body and your mind will receive.

Stretching is a great way to take a break from your busy day to recharge and strengthen your body and your mind.